Naomi Osaka vows to be ‘ready to go stronger than ever in 2021’ after Olympic postponement

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Naomi Osaka press conference

Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka says she is determined to refocus her Olympic energy on 2021 following the postponement of Tokyo 2020.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to spread rapidly, the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee were left with little choice but to postpone the Games until 2021.

They are yet to confirm the new dates, but it will still be known as Tokyo 2020.

Former world No 1 Osaka has been the face of host nation Japan, but she backed the decision.

“I’ve been thinking about how to articulate my thoughts on this for a couple of days now, so here goes. Everyone knows how much the Olympics means to me and how proud I will be to participate in my home country,” she wrote on social media.

“Of course I am disappointed that it won’t happen this year, but we’ll all be ready to go stronger than ever in 2021!

“I support Prime Minister Abe’s brave decision and the IOC 100%. Sport will eventually unite us again and be there for us always, but that time is not now.

“This is the time for people from all countries, backgrounds and races to rally together to save as many lives as we can. To me, that is the Olympic spirit.

“To the people of Japan: stay strong, hang in there, and let’s show the world our beautiful country when the time is right in 2021.

“Stay safe everyone, take care of each other, be kind and we will make it through.”

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